Shopping in Japan is fun—convenience stores, department stores, tiny local shops, and amazing souvenirs. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, learning a few key phrases will make things smoother (and locals will really appreciate the effort).
This guide covers must-know shopping phrases with simple pronunciation, plus cultural tips so you can pay and interact politely in Japanese stores.
Quick Shopping Phrase Cheat Sheet (Save This)
- Sumimasen (すみません) — Excuse me / Sorry
- Kore wa ikura desu ka? (これはいくらですか？) — How much is this?
- Kore o kudasai (これをください) — I’ll take this, please
- Kādo de haraemasu ka? (カードで払えますか？) — Can I pay by card?
- Fukuro wa irimasu ka? (袋はいりますか？) — Do you need a bag?
- Daijōbu desu (大丈夫です) — No thanks / I’m okay
1) Getting Attention Politely
✅ Use this first:
Sumimasen (すみません) — Excuse me
You can use it to:
- call staff
- apologize lightly (bumping into someone)
- ask a question politely
Example:
すみません、これ、どこですか？
Sumimasen, kore doko desu ka?
Excuse me, where is this?
2) Asking the Price
Key phrase:
Kore wa ikura desu ka? (これはいくらですか？)
How much is this?
You can point at the item and say this—super useful.
Alternative (very polite):
これはおいくらですか？ (Kore wa o-ikura desu ka?)
3) “I’ll Take This” / Ordering at the Counter
Key phrase:
Kore o kudasai. (これをください。)
This one, please.
Example:
これをください。ありがとうございます。
Kore o kudasai. Arigatō gozaimasu.
I’ll take this. Thank you.
4) Asking If They Have Another Size or Color
Size
Motto ōkii (chiisai) saizu wa arimasu ka?
もっと大きい（小さい）サイズはありますか？
Do you have a bigger (smaller) size?
Color
Chigau iro wa arimasu ka? (ちがう色はありますか？)
Do you have a different color?
Helpful word:
- Saizu (サイズ) — size
- Iro (色) — color
- Arimasu ka? (ありますか？) — do you have…?
5) Paying: Card, Cash, and IC Cards
Credit card
Kādo de haraemasu ka? (カードで払えますか？)
Can I pay by card?
Cash
Genkin de. (現金で。)
By cash.
IC cards (Suica / PASMO etc.)
Suika wa tsukaemasu ka? (スイカは使えますか？)
Can I use Suica?
In many places, staff may ask your payment method first. Don’t worry—just answer with “Kādo de” or “Genkin de”.
6) Bags, Receipts, and Common Questions at Checkout
“Do you need a bag?”
Fukuro wa irimasu ka? (袋はいりますか？)
- Yes: はい、お願いします。(Hai, onegaishimasu.)
- No: いいえ、大丈夫です。(Iie, daijōbu desu.)
“Do you need a receipt?”
Reshīto wa irimasu ka? (レシートはいりますか？)
Daijōbu desu is a very common way to say “No thanks / I’m okay.”
7) Tax-Free Shopping (Duty-Free) in Japan
If you’re visiting Japan as a tourist, some stores offer tax-free shopping.
Ask:
Takkusufurī wa dekimasu ka? (タックスフリーはできますか？)
Can I do tax-free?
Useful phrases:
- Pasupōto ga hitsuyō desu ka? (パスポートが必要ですか？)
Do you need my passport?
Tip: Bring your passport—many shops require it for tax-free.
Cultural Tips: Shopping Etiquette in Japan
✅ Use the tray
In many stores, you’ll see a small tray at the register. Put cash or your card there instead of handing it directly.
✅ Keep lines neat
People line up carefully, even when it’s crowded. Follow floor markings.
✅ Don’t eat while walking (in some places)
In tourist areas it’s common, but many locals avoid eating while walking—especially outside convenience stores.
If you buy food at a konbini, consider eating near the store or in a designated area.
✅ Quiet, polite communication
Even a simple “Arigatō gozaimasu” goes a long way.
Mini Dialogues (Realistic Examples)
Example 1: Asking price + buying
A: すみません、これはいくらですか？
Sumimasen, kore wa ikura desu ka?
B: 500円です。
Go-hyaku en desu.
A: じゃあ、これをください。
Jā, kore o kudasai.
Example 2: Checkout bag question
B: 袋はいりますか？
Fukuro wa irimasu ka?
A: いいえ、大丈夫です。
Iie, daijōbu desu.
FAQ
Is it okay to speak English in shops?
Yes. Many staff can handle basic English, especially in big cities. But using a few Japanese phrases is appreciated.
What’s the single most useful phrase?
Sumimasen — it works for getting attention, apologizing, and starting almost any question politely.
Final Thoughts
Shopping in Japan becomes much easier when you know just a handful of phrases. Start with Sumimasen, Kore wa ikura desu ka?, and Kore o kudasai—and you’ll be surprised how smoothly things go.